Dear Patients,

We know that there are many gaps in our health care system and speaking with a doctor over the phone or video has significantly improved the ease and accessibility of care for patients. The delivery of virtual care has expanded over the last 5 years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For both minor and ongoing concerns, virtual care gives patients the ability to access same day services as well as comprehensive ongoing care. Most importantly it offers you timely access to physicians at a time when there are critical shortages in family doctors, over-whelmed hospital emergency departments, and increasingly limited access to specialists.

Unfortunately, the government is cutting payments to select physician groups by over 50% to $15-$20 per service (irrespective of time or ailment), which will negatively impact your access to virtual care. The government simply does not value your access to virtual care. Our physicians and clinic staff are directly impacted by this change, but we strongly believe in the work that we do and the service that we offer to you and patients across Ontario. With our extensive team of family physicians and specialists we serve hundreds of thousands of patients through virtual care each year and we know that patients value access to clinicians when they need it. As the province implements its changes, we have transitioned into a new health service model to take effect December 1st, 2022. Our new health service model is designed for you.

During a time where the cost of living is increasing and pressure on our healthcare system is mounting, it was important for us to follow our mission of making great healthcare services accessible to all Canadians. In making it accessible, we also know that it must be affordable. As such, we have developed a benefit rich healthcare coverage program that is sustainable and will provide you with access to a range of services at a low monthly cost.

Thank you for your time and your continued support.

Sincerely,

MD Connected